US Jews Grapple with Surge in Attacks and Rifts Over Israeli Policies

Synagogue attacks, antisemitism, and divisions within the Jewish community over support for Israel

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:18pm

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For many U.S. Jews, current events have been emotionally tumultuous, with a surge in attacks targeting their communities and deep divisions over whether to support or oppose various policies and actions by Israel. While there is unified condemnation of attacks, like the recent one where a man drove his truck into a Detroit-area synagogue, there are also debates over whether synagogues should display "We stand with Israel" signs and the complex relationship between criticism of Israel's government and antisemitism.

Why it matters

The rise in attacks on Jewish institutions and the bitter rifts within the Jewish community over Israel reflect broader societal tensions around antisemitism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the blurred line between criticism of Israel's policies and hostility toward Jews. These issues have significant implications for Jewish Americans' sense of security and belonging, as well as the unity and cohesion of the Jewish community.

The details

In the recent attack in Detroit, a man who had lost family members in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon drove his pickup truck into a synagogue where over 100 children were attending a preschool program, exchanging gunfire with a guard before killing himself. Jewish leaders condemned the attack, saying targeting synagogues or Jewish institutions is antisemitism, not political protest. There are also debates over whether synagogues should display "We stand with Israel" signs, with some arguing they make congregants less safe while others say people have a right to express their beliefs. The issues are complex, with many Jews critical of specific Israeli government policies while still supporting Israel's existence as a Jewish homeland.

  • On October 7, 2023, a deadly attack by Hamas triggered a war in Gaza, leading to a surge in criticism of Israel and anti-Israel protests that have at times spilled over into violence.

The players

Rabbi Rick Jacobs

President of the Union for Reform Judaism.

Peter Beinart

Jewish author and commentator who has vehemently criticized Israeli policy in Gaza, the West Bank, and elsewhere.

Amy Spitalnick

CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, who has policy differences with the Israeli government but wouldn't ask synagogues to take down "We stand with Israel" signs.

Beth Kissileff

A journalist whose husband survived the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue attack that claimed 11 lives.

Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove

Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York, who says love of Israel is different from love of the Israeli government.

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What they’re saying

“To hold American Jews — let alone children in a preschool — accountable for the actions of a foreign government is a dangerous double standard that we don't apply today to any other group.”

— Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism

“No matter what Israel does, no matter how immoral or brutal or horrifying, it doesn't justify attacking a synagogue or justifying attacking American Jews in any way.”

— Peter Beinart, Jewish author and commentator

“We live in a country where people are entitled to their beliefs. No one should have to risk violence because they're expressing them.”

— Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs

“It's outrageous to take anything out on anyone. It's outrageous that Iranian schoolgirls were killed. I'm outraged when any innocent life is taken.”

— Beth Kissileff, Journalist

“As a proud Zionist, an expression of that love of Israel can come and oftentimes does come in the form of dissent with the Israeli government. Love of Israel … is different from love of the Israeli government. And the problem of this moment is that it's all being conflated into one.”

— Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove, Rabbi of Park Avenue Synagogue in New York

What’s next

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Park Avenue Synagogue last week, advocating for proposed legislation requiring a buffer zone where demonstrations would be prohibited near houses of worship, following recent anti-Israel protests outside New York synagogues.

The takeaway

The surge in attacks on Jewish institutions and the deep divisions within the Jewish community over Israel reflect the complex and often fraught relationship between criticism of Israel's policies, antisemitism, and the security concerns of Jewish Americans. Navigating these issues will require nuance, empathy, and a commitment to upholding the rights and safety of all.